Thank You to our Sponsors:
Light in the Shadows
Fifth Anniversary of the Fallen 13 of Abbey Gate
Join us August 24th through 27th, 2026, at the Mid America Veterans Museum in O’Fallon, Missouri, as we honor the lives, sacrifice, and enduring legacy of the Fallen 13, including hometown hero Lance Corporal Jared Schmitz.
- Mid America Veterans Museum
- 410 E. Elm Street, O’Fallon, MO 63366
- The memorial and museum are open continuously during this time
- Admission is FREE; donations are always welcome
A Nation Remembers
In August of 2021, at a nondescript entrance to the airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, thirteen American heroes gave their lives in service to others. Among them was Lance Corporal Jared Schmitz, a proud local Marine whose courage, heart, and devotion to duty continue to inspire our community.
As we gather for Light in the Shadows, we welcome Gold Star families, veterans, and community members to join us in remembrance. May this event bring comfort, unity, and renewed gratitude for those who answered the call of duty and for those who continue to support them.
“Light in the Shadows represents the contrast between loss and legacy.”
Honoring a Hometown Hero
Lance Corporal Jared Schmitz grew up in our community with a deep sense of service and pride in the United States Marine Corps.
On August 26th of 2021, at Abbey Gate in Kabul, Afghanistan, he gave his life helping evacuate refugees to safety, an act that reflects the very best of the American spirit.
Jared’s legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the sacrifice he made. As we gather for Light in the Shadows, we honor him as one of the Fallen 13, a hometown hero whose courage continues to inspire our community.
Join us on Wednesday, August 26th at 7pm to hear from Gold Star Father Mark Schmitz.
Schedule of Events
The memorial and museum will be open continuously throughout the event.
This event is FREE to attend; donations are always welcome.
August 24, 2026
6:00 PM, Opening Reception for the Veterans & Athletes United Fallen Heroes Memorial
August 25, 2026
7:00 PM, Candlelight Vigil
August 26, 2026
7:00 PM, Commemoration Ceremony
August 27, 2026
10:00 AM, Memorial display closes
Experience the Veterans and Athletes United Fallen Heroes Memorial
The Veterans and Athletes United Fallen Heroes Memorial is a handcrafted tribute created by veterans, individuals who understand firsthand the weight of service, sacrifice, and loss. Every element of this memorial has been intentionally designed to honor those who gave everything, reflecting devotion, courage, and the unbreakable bond shared by those who serve.
As it travels across the country, the memorial carries forward the names, faces, and stories of the fallen, ensuring they are never forgotten. Among them is Lance Cpl. Jared Schmitz, a hometown hero whose legacy continues to live on in the hearts of all who knew him and in the community he helped shape.
More than a display, this memorial is a powerful reminder of the cost of freedom and the responsibility we share to remember. We are deeply humbled and honored to host this sacred tribute on our grounds, offering a space for reflection, connection, and remembrance.
Join Us in Supporting Light in the Shadows
Your support helps us create a meaningful and secure experience for all who attend while honoring the legacy of the Fallen 13 with the dignity and care this remembrance deserves.
- Creating a meaningful and secure experience for all attendees
- Bringing the VAU Fallen Heroes Memorial to our community
- Enhancing lighting and audiovisual storytelling
- Providing hospitality for veterans and Gold Star families
An event like this requires many volunteers to be successful. If you wish to volunteer or belong to a group that would like to help, you can check out the volunteer opportunities here:
Direct questions to volunteer@mavm.org.
The Mid America Veterans Museum is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Sponsorships and donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. EIN available upon request.